Abstract

Transforming growth factor- (TGF) signalling, particularly signalling from the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) members of this protein family, is crucial for the development of both the central and peripheral nervous systems in vertebrates. Experimental embryology and genetics performed in a range of organisms are providing insights into how BMPs establish the neural tissue and control the types and numbers of neurons formed. These studies also highlight the interactions between different developmental signals that are necessary to form a functional nervous system. The challenges ahead will be to uncover functions of TGF signalling in later stages of CNS development, as well as to determine possible associations with neurological diseases.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Mailstop 8322, P.O. Box 6511, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
2. Department of Biology, Eberly College of Science, 208 Mueller Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
3. Howard Hughes MedicaI Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815-6789, USA.

Correspondence to: Lee A. Niswander^1,3 Email: lee.niswander@uchsc.edu

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